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'Simon Caldwell'
Hello I'm Simon Caldwell and welcome to our Mid-season Review, today we'll be looking at the races of last season and the up coming and all important Season 5 of the IGP Formula Motorsport Racing League. I'm joined today by my good friend Gordon Skye ...
'Gordon Skye'
And we are joined by special Guest Urban Ciber who has taken time our of his busy schedule during the testing of Laguna GP Racing's new car to join us.
'Urban Ciber'
Good Morning Simon, Gordon, pleasure to be here.
'Gordon Skye'
I got to say that I'm looking forward to reviewing the season, it was a cracker.
'Simon Caldwell'
That is was, looking back at last season, even during the first races we certainly had some tight competition in all the Divisions especially during the Rookie and Pro Division. Now we understand this was your first season within the Pro Division Urban, how did you find the competition at the start? Must have been a change from the Rookie right?
'Urban Ciber'
Well I gotta say the first few races were extremely tough. You are right, Simon it was extremely different and harder to compete with others but let's not forget that there was quite a big margin between back markers and the top teams in Pro at the start of the season. We in Laguna had some problems in development, luckily we got to sort it out in a first few races.
'Gordon Skye'
Urban, we're you expecting the difference in the talent of the drivers between Rookie and Pro?
'Urban Ciber'
Of course we did, but we didn't know how would we cope with it I think for the first season in Pro we did it alright, there were some things that we could do better, but there's always room for improvement. There were some races that we couldn't do anything better and we still were way off the pace. I guess it just depends which track suits your team better, when you are not so competitive. Fun season for us nonetheless.
'Gordon Skye'
And of course, the first few races, when none of the established Pro teams knew how well you would perform, that was your chance to pounce and surprise them.
'Simon Caldwell'
All too true, just like some of the Rookie teams, would you say we've had some good teams in Rookie Gordon? Certainly we've had some close matches, even for the first race Australia, we had 8 teams inside the points for that one.
'Gordon Skye'
Yeah, it's always interesting to see how the Rookie teams will perform, you have the teams who have been in Rookie for a while and brand new teams who joined for their 1st season, you can never can tell tho who is going to come out on top, an established team or a Rookie in their debut. Did anything surprise you in Australia?
'Simon Caldwell'
I think we were all surprised in Australia at just how close the teams were then, even the fans enjoyed the event. It set the grounds for what fast became an unpredictable season, we even had returning team being completely outstripped by the new faces, just look at Pied Piper, or Ferrari, maybe even Rex Motorsports before they left us, each one of these teams were in among the returning teams and fighting hard. Gravitas, been in the Rookie Division for a while now and even they were caught out by the pace of some of the teams, only managing to get 1 car into the points for 7th.
'Gordon Skye'
I think Audi getting third overall in the 1st race was quite something, of course, the 2 Adams in Pro leading the division with Hopsocube proving that having patience is the way to win and, boy did they win. For Elite I think the biggest surprise for me, for the fans and, I think for the team themselves was the performance of Skyeladder who, I my opinion were favourite for the title having won it the previous season, finishing off the podium was a shock to us all and started a trend that would continue all season.
Did anything catch your eye in the other divisions Urban?
'Urban Ciber'
I agree with you on the Hopsocube front. It's like they were on some secret engine mode, really dominating. I wasn't really paying attention on the other divisions, I rather concentrated on my own teams performance, but for the Skyeladder team I think that this was all just a consequence of recruiting new drivers in the team. As far as I know that team I think they are ready to get back on the top very soon.
'Simon Caldwell'
That was indeed a dominating drive from Hopsocube, almost the perfect season for them almost mirroring Cruz Crew of Season 3.
The Skyeladder team indeed took a back foot for last season, they had won the last 3 season championships, and were indeed the favourites for Elite, but what a shock to the system for them having not just 1 but 3 teams besting them in the opening race
'Gordon Skye'
That's not what I've heard on the grapevine, from what I've heard from a very reliable source, Skyeladder are having trouble in the wind tunnel. Anyway, Simon, back to the season and as far as Pro division was concerned, Hopsocube were the team to beat
'Urban Ciber'
I was wondering how can Hopsocube challenge in Elite?
'Gordon Skye'
We're about to find out. Have they spent all their time developing their car to dominate Pro or did they hold something back to help them in Elite?
'Simon Caldwell'
Ah but if we remember from season 3 to 4, Cruz Crew were the team to beat then and in Elite they were a force to be reckoned with there too.
'Gordon Skye'
Urban, how do you think you'll perform next season, are you going all out to challenge for promotion or are you spending the season building ready for a major attack the following season? Or is that a secret?
'Urban Ciber'
There is no goal yet, we''ll see in the first few races how it goes. We''ll do our best.
'Gordon Skye'
So, Simon, are you expecting Hopsocube to be one of the teams to beat?
'Simon Caldwell'
Well i certainly hope they will be among the pack, if we could get a start this season as we had in Rookie last season, Elite will definitely be a Division to watch. speaking of teams to watch, who would you say has been the most entertaining team last season? do you have an overall favourite or would you have to pick one from each Division?
'Gordon Skye'
For me, I'd have to pick Pied Piper in Rookie just because of the way they came back towards the end of the season, still having an outside chance of promotion until the last couple of races
In Pro, I would have said SL Racing but they went missing for the last few races, almost as though they weren't there. So for me in Pro I'd have to say, and not just because he's here, but Urban entertained me a lot proving that even tho you're new to the League and having a building year, you can still attack and race with the best given the opportunity but I'd also like an honourable mention to go to Suzie Q who battled on with humour even though just scoring a point was like a win for them and the way they sprayed the champaign when they did, eventually score a point will live with me forever, mainly cos my team shirt got covered in the stuff and still stinks
In Elite, I think the most entertaining team has to be Titi Bird for taking the fight to Cruz Crew
The most disappointing team in Elite, however is a fight between Skyeladder Racing and Blue Angels 1
How about you, Simon, do you have a most entertaining team?
'Simon Caldwell'
i would have to agree with you there, both Laguna and Carroll took up the challenge of Pro very well, they were good to watch.
Suzie Q and BMR Racing were really struggling, a returning team to IGP FMR since season 1 coming back for season 3 after that move to GT 500 League for the year, but still they seem to be struggling with their pace, but i think they could bring it back quite quickly this season.
As for the Rookie division it is hard to say, many a team have been great to watch, those that have come through the field, others that have barely gotten a point, but still held on for some great match ups. but for Rookie i would say RJT have been the better team to watch this season, not a single point until Turkey but still they held on to the back of the points, but for advancement you just need to look to the Bromley cousins. Jaguar had the advantage in the first 2 races, but Brian's cousin Brendon and BMW Racing started the season on 8 points but steadily grew to finish 3rd overall but it was a good match to watch
Elite saw many surprises, first and most noticeably of all were Skyeladders lack of pace, but how about Natalia and Proud Pink or even Leo with Notahc, came into the season in Germany but stormed the field to take 3rd in the standings with 2 races to go and Natalia having a great battle with Skyeladder even with such a poor line up in the drivers sector.
'Gordon Skye'
Yes, I really don't understand how a team like Proud Pink who were obviously having a building year, could take it to Skyeladder who should have been challenging for the title. A little bird tells me that they're very unhappy with their engine supplier and we could be seeing a new one for the upcoming season
So, Simon, which race are we looking at next?
'Simon Caldwell'
I would like to take a look at Monty Carlo and the Monaco GP because that was a turning point for many teams, and the potential to see just how a different track could suit some better drivers and their teams.
'Urban Ciber'
Oh Monaco, I love that track. I love coming there every season.
'Simon Caldwell'
It is a beautiful track
'Gordon Skye'
Monaco was fascinating, every division had a surprise for us Pied Piper in Rookie just missing out on the podium, SL Racing in Pro getting their 1st podium of the year and proving that they're not going to give up that promotes lot without a fight. Laguna also got their best result of the season so far proving that their car deign works better on slow twisty circuits
In Elite we had the battle we always seemed to have this season between SLB and Cruz Crew a close race but still the 2 teams seem inseparable. Skyeladder flattered to receive the results they got, finishing just behind the top two teams, but in reality they were almost a lap behind, showing that they really were struggling this season and questions remain as the team blamed the engine, but their trusted engine supplier who had seen them win 4 titles together, we're blaming the chassis, saying that the wind tunnel numbers didn't correlate with the numbers they get from the track which, worryingly is the story we're getting from pretty season testing
Urban, what's Monaco like for a team new to the Pro division?
'Urban Ciber'
Well for some reason I always did well there so I was expecting a good result and I got it! Those 6th place points really helped me in the championship. It was also a bit surprising because in the previous races I hardly got in the points. Looking forward to get there again this season. Hopefully we can taste the champagne this time.
'Simon Caldwell'
Well lets hope you do, but you are right Gordon that race was really a turning point. Always unexpected results at Monaco but always good racing, and a calender favourite for many a driver.
But if we were to look over the entire last season, the battles we had were intense to say the least. In Rookie we had the group of Gravitas, WI Racing, Schwinesteiger and Jaguar all of them giving every inch for every race it made for some entertaining races even down the field, Blue Angels 2, RJT, Chemql and Pandaslo they were together too.
In Pro we had that battle for 2nd and 3rd in the standing with Aston Martin, Benfica and SL Racing, while behind them, Carroll Laguna and BMR went at it for many races.
Even Elite had their share of bouts, SLB Racing is Cruz Crew, then Notahc joining the fray at Belgium, Skyeladder, Blue Angels 1 and Proud Pink. All of them great entertainment for us and the crowd.
'Gordon Skye'
Who could have foreseen that Benfica would get 2nd ahead of SL Racing who just didn't seem to be there for the last few races
And Urban that result seemed to energize your team
'Urban Ciber'
Hmmm well, I think there was some behind the scenes talk about promotions. Some strange results and tactics took place in the last few races.
I dont think that should go on air hahahaa
Teams can do what they wana do.
'Simon Caldwell'
hmm well we will have to see, we can only speculate at this point.
now to the true matter at hand, the upcoming season, how do you see this one going Gordon?
'Gordon Skye'
Hmm with Rookie division so open this season its hard to say, so many new teams, some will stay, some will go, some will prove to be strong. Established teams will also be strong. It's hard to look past the strongest teams from last season who just missed out on promotion, I think they'll be there a fain this season.
As for Pro, I'm not sure but if they can get a strong start, Urban could spring a surprise as could Pied Piper, but knowing what we know from last season I suspect Priyanka will be going all out for the championship, it's 1st or bust for her
Elite, if I'm honest, I gave no idea, there are already some clever tactics going on and the only thing I can say with almost certaincy is that Proud Pink and Skyeladder will be fighting for the crumbs
What are your thoughts, Urban?
'Urban Ciber'
Well in Rookie i think this will be Sasha's Gravitas Racing season. They were close to promotion every season but now I think they will make it through. They are my favorites this season.
For Pro I would say Aston Martin are the favorites, and not far behind is SL Racing team, hopefully our crew Laguna can challenge, also Carroll of course. But you never know what teams who just promoted from Rookie are capable of. I would say they will be closer than we were last season for sure.
'Simon Caldwell'
For the Rookie Division i would say a deffinate challenger for the Championship is WI Racing after last season they were getting very close to challenging the top teams. perhaps Pied Piper might get up there, but i doubt they could offer a good challenge, BMW and Opal could certainly be good contenders.
Pro i would certainly say Aston Martin and SL Racing are the better challengers for the Title but as you say Urban yourself and Martin with Carroll GP are very good for taking on the challenge this season.
As for Elite, i would say it be a toss up between Notahc and SLB Racing for the title, after Cruz Crew's downslide towards the end of last season i highly doubt they could challenge now.
'Gordon Skye'
Urban, I think you're right for Rookie but I'm not sure about SL Racing, it depends whether Adam can come back after the disappointment of last season when they were almost given 2nd only to lose it with some dreadful performances over the last few races
'Urban Ciber'
Cars and teams are already in Australia, some already did few practice laps. We cant wait to get back racing! We will do first few laps tomorrow evening probably.
'Simon Caldwell'
Thank you Urban we do look forward to seeing you out there, it does look to be a hot one too. Only time will really tell who will be on top, have you got your votes in yet? Who do you think will be the teams to beat this season? From all of us here it goodbye from me Simon Caldwell,
'Gordon Skye'
And me, Gordon Skye.
'Simon Caldwell'
Urban it has been a pleasure. See you all at Australia for the start of Season 5 of the IGP Formula Motorsport Racing League. Drive safe everybody.
'Urban Ciber'
Thank you very much, see you all in Australia.
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